Hair Loss Medication

Both men and women all over the world experience hair loss, often due to hereditary thinning, male pattern baldness, and female pattern hair loss. One method for reversing that or slowing it down is using a hair loss medication, which can help individuals regrow their hair and feel more confident in their skin – without needing a clinical treatment. 

The two main types of hair loss medications are Minoxidil (often known as the brand name Regaine) and Finasteride (known as Propecia). Both of these offer clinically proven results and are especially effective when used as part of a broader hair restoration plan.

The two main hair loss medications, Minoxidil and Finasteride, work slightly differently, so we will go into both here. 

Finasteride is a prescription-only medication usually prescribed to men experiencing prostate problems or male pattern baldness. This prescription anti-androgen inhibits type II 5-alpha reductase, which reduces DHT (dihydrotestosterone). This is effective for hair loss as DHT is the male hormone that causes hair follicle miniaturisation, which leads to the hair falling out, particularly on the crown of the head. Taking finasteride regularly can reverse and prevent this from happening. 

Minoxidil is a topical vasodilator and is believed to increase blood flow and nutrients to the hair follicles, in turn encouraging regrowth. It also extends the anagen phase (growth phase) of the hair growth cycle, giving the hair follicles a better chance of growing longer, thicker strands. There have been several studies into the effectiveness of minoxidil, many showcasing that the topical treatment has a significant positive impact on hair growth. 

Both of these medications work by slowing or halting hair loss and can even stimulate regrowth in suitable patients. However, it’s also important to be aware of the limitations – in particular, these medications are more effective on the crown of the head and are typically less responsive at the frontal hairline.

The type of treatment that’s best for you depends on several factors. Typically, hair loss medications are most suitable for individuals with androgenetic alopecia. Here’s who it’s most suitable for. 

• Those With Male Pattern Baldness: Male pattern baldness, androgenetic alopecia that affects men, is extremely common, affecting most men at some point in their lives. Both Minoxidil/Regaine and Finasteride/Propecia hair loss treatments can be used to treat this with fantastic results. 
• Those With Female Pattern Hair Loss: This is androgenetic alopecia that affects women. In women, it typically causes diffuse thinning, leading to a wider parting and thinning all over the scalp, which hair loss medications can help. 
• Patients Seeking Non-Surgical Options: A hair loss medication makes a lot of sense for individuals seeking a non-surgical route. Instead of getting surgery, they can instead simply apply or take a medication each day to help keep hair loss at bay.
• Those Wanting Early-Stage Intervention: Hair loss medications make a great solution for those just beginning to notice they are experiencing hair loss or thinning. It acts as an early-stage intervention, hopefully slowing down the hair loss so that the individual does not have to seek more invasive treatments as soon.

Of course, hair loss medications are not for everyone, so here are some things to consider first. 

• Your Age: Most hair loss medications are only for people 18 years or older. 
• Health: You should always take your health into account. For example, individuals with untreated hypertension may not be suitable for Minoxidil. 
• Sex: While Minoxidil is both a male and female pattern hair loss treatment, Finasteride is typically used only by men.
• Medication Tolerance: Some people may experience side effects after taking hair loss medications. For example, Finasteride may lead to ejaculation problems, a decreased sex drive, and depression. If that affects you, it may not be the best hair restoration solution.

Many people have taken hair loss medications like Finasteride and Minoxidil and experienced incredible effects. Are you wondering if it’s right for you? Here are some of the advantages. 

• It Can Slow or Stop Hair Loss: Starting to notice hair loss is always scary, but a hair loss medication can either slow or stop it completely, giving you more time with your natural hair. 
• It May Promote New Hair Growth: In some cases, Minoxidil or Finasteride can even promote new hair growth in targeted areas, such as the crown. 
• It’s a Non-Surgical Method: When in the early stages of hair loss, most people would prefer to avoid the surgical route, and a hair loss medication provides a simpler alternative. 
• It is Easy to Use: Using either Minoxidil or Finasteride is super simple – for Minoxidil, you simply apply to the scalp, whereas with Finasteride, you take the medication orally each day.
• It Can be Combined with Other Hair Restoration Methods: You can enhance the results of Minoxidil or Finasteride with other hair restoration methods like FUE (follicular unit extraction) or Advanced Tricho Pigmentation.

It is natural to be concerned about how the treatment works and the level of comfort experienced after taking it. Of course, the effects are slightly different depending on whether you use Minoxidil or Finasteride, so we’ll go into both here. 

The treatment process for Finasteride involves oral daily use, with effects beginning after around 3-6 months. Finasteride is generally well tolerated by most men who get prescribed it, but there is the chance of side effects. The most common side effects of Finasteride include: 

• Decreased Libido
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Ejaculation Issues
• Breast Tenderness
• Breast Enlargement
• Depressed Mood

Keep in mind that not everyone who takes Finasteride experiences these side effects – if you do, it’s best to talk to your doctor about alternative options. 

To use Minoxidil, you apply it directly to the scalp once or twice daily without washing it out afterwards. The effects begin after around 4-6 months, which is when new hair should start growing through. Minoxidil is well tolerated by most individuals, but some potential side effects include: 

• Unwanted Hair Growth
• Irritation
• Headaches
• Dizziness

Many people won’t experience any of these side effects, however. 

Whether using Minoxidil or Finasteride, it’s important to follow the medication’s instructions and speak to your doctor or a hair specialist if you are experiencing ongoing side effects or the medication doesn’t work for you after around six months. 

The cost of hair loss medications varies depending on the prescription you have, the brand, and how long you take the treatment. For example, 2% Minoxidil will typically be cheaper than 5% Minoxidil. 

The general cost of Minoxidil starts at around £15 per month, but this can be higher if you get a higher percentage. The general cost of Finasteride per month ranges from £12-£60. Keep in mind that you may pay more for your hair restoration plan if you combine a hair loss medication with other therapies. 

If you want a more precise insight into the cost of hair loss medications and therapies, feel free to schedule a consultation with our team to assess suitability and receive a personalised cost.

For both Finasteride and Minoxidil, results are typically visible after 3-6 months, at which point you should notice new hairs growing through, particularly in the areas you have experienced hair loss or thinning. However, the medications are more noticeable on the crown, with the frontal hairline typically being less responsive to Finasteride and Minoxidil. 

Keep in mind that continuous use is required for both medications. If you stop either treatment, your hair will return to how it was before you started treatment, which usually occurs after around 6-12 months of stopping. 

 If you want to maximise the results of Finasteride and/or Minoxidil, you can take them together – they work very well when combined. You can also use either medication as part of a broader hair restoration plan. They are particularly well complemented with surgical options like a FUE hair transplant, which helps provide a longer-term solution where you can grow a full head of hair. 

Are you ready to regrow a full head of hair? Losing your hair can have a real impact on your confidence and self-image, but you don’t need to let that continue – not when you seek an effective hair restoration treatment. 

At Harley Street Hair Clinic, we have a team of hair specialists who understand the ins and outs of hair loss and can provide the best recommendations depending on your unique hair circumstances. Book a consultation today or send us some photos for a personalised assessment.